I recently became excited by an interesting post on facebook about a worldwide movement, the Art Abandonment Group. The idea is to secretly abandon small art pieces in random public places. A note attached to the package explains that it is a gift with a mention of it's origin and contact information. See more about this compelling movement here.

I am looking forward to announcing the winners of my Yupo Paper Art Giveaway for Artists on April 1st! So far there are 85 entries into the drawing. Six pads of Yupo paper (so far) and three original paintings or painting lessons will be awarded to the lucky winners. If you are an artist interested in winning some Yupo paper, art lessons or original art, be sure to check out the rules and enter using the link above! I am really enjoying the excitement of the giveaway and I don't want it to end on April first.

SOO, I decided to launch FREE TREE FRIDAY during the month of April! Each Friday I'll pick someone through RandomNumber.org to receive a free original tree painting by yours truly. Here is my first FREE TREE offering. All you have to do to win it, is comment below this post or under the original post on my facebook art page and include the words, "Free tree." or "I'm in!" Open to everyone worldwide! Good luck and pay it forward.

Because alcohol Inks are such a unique medium, they are making me appreciate a novice's mind. I think it's something of great benefit that we should all do more often. As we grow older, too often we get stuck in routines that can dull our minds and our senses. A beginner's mind clears out the cobwebs and opens up a world of discovery and excitement. Experimenting and making mistakes in any new endeavor, teaches us how to explore options and trust our instincts. Because the expectations of an "I don't know" attitude are lower, it teaches us to pick ourselves up and brush ourselves off everyday. This is the one painting, out of many, that I am keeping today. This new found medium is captivating me and I hope it is beginning to show.

Sometimes a few minor adjustments can make a major improvement! I finished this alcohol ink painting yesterday, but wasn't quite happy with it. After looking at the photo of it for a bit, it became obvious what needed to be done.

Before tweaking the painting -

Today I did a little rework; lightening the stem to bring it forward and darkening the leaf to the left to push it back. I think it reads much better now. Don't you agree?

The sun is shining! What a drastic change from last week's winter blast. It's 58 degrees out and tonight we "Spring Ahead". Yay! Finally the days will be longer!

A little Rufous Hummingbird led me to the Palmyra Cove Nature Center in 2013. From my April blog post last Spring - "Today's painting's reference photo was taken on March 26th at the Palmyra Cove Nature Center at the foot of the Tacony-Palmyra bridge on the Delaware River. There I witnessed a very rare occurrence - A young Rufous Hummingbird that wintered here in Southern NJ! She showed up at the nature center shortly after Superstorm Sandy and it was believed she may have been blown off course because of the storm. In the olden days, they were never seen east of the Mississippi. I thought it was a hoax and had to go see for myself! So at the spur of the moment, I took a field trip over to Palmyra. She hangs out around the entrance to the center. I spent some time visiting and shooting her. This sweet little ham was very used to people and seemed to enjoy my company. Our memorable visit was so much fun!"

Brave Little Survivor

Rufous Hummingbird in NJ 2013

~~ April 1st - 30th, 2014 ~~

Usher In Spring and Gladden Your Heart With

"FLOWERS, FEATHERS AND FUR"

A show of Original Watercolors by Sandy Sandy Spiritartist

The impressive Palmyra Cove Gallery will showcase more than two dozen of my Yupo paintings that are for sale, featuring your favorite flowers, birds and animals. Click on the flyer above to get more details.

Who is Sandy Sandy?

Hi! I'm a singular artist with a double name. Loving nature and all animals, I strive to portray the essence and spirit of my subjects in my art - aka, my online identity, Sandy Sandy Spiritartist. I hope you'll stay a while and leave me some comments so we can get to know each other.